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Adding New Windows to a House

March 29, 2015 By Rhoda 84 Comments

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Let there be light is what the title of this post really should be!

It really is amazing how bringing light into a house can change the mood of a room.  What was once a dungeon like experience now is filled with natural light.  I finally got windows installed in my downstairs den and I am just thrilled with the outcome.  It’s more dramatic than you can imagine and it’s another project that has been on my wish list since moving in this house over 2 years ago.  Little by little, this house has been transformed into the cutest little cottage ever.

And truly adding windows is one of the BEST things I could have done to improve the den space and the exterior view is also improved.  Curb appeal to the max!

I have to give a huge shout-out to Lowes and Pella for helping me on this project.  Through my relationship with Lowes, I was able to work directly with Pella and order these windows from them. I chose the same type vinyl windows I already have in the house and these fit in just fine with the existing windows.  I got them in and hired my own installers, the same father/son team who built my front porch (Name and Phone # in the link)  last year.  Mike and Dave did another fabulous job for me and even though I have to wait on them to get to my smaller projects, they are well worth the wait. They do great work and are reasonable too.  So, I did pay for the installation of these windows, but Pella comped the windows for me and that is a HUGE blessing.

my house before

Just for fun, here’s a shot of the original exterior of my house…..before I started any improvements outside.  Poor, sad little neglected house!

house-exterior-after_thumb.jpg

This pic was taken late spring last year before I had the landscaping put in, but after the front portico was added and the house was painted.  Notice the blank wall below the top floor to the left. That’s my den space, no windows at all on this side of the house.

exterior after windows

But now it does.  I copied the same windows from the top and ordered them in the right size to fit the space and I think it turned out fantastic.

exterior spring

Not only is my den now filled with natural light, the exterior of my house looks so much better balanced too. If you have a room that needs more light, I’d highly recommend adding new windows.  It’s just a little inconvenience and mess, but well worth it!

exterior porch spring

Spring has sprung in Georgia and with all the rain we have gotten, along with warmer temps, my grass (and weeds) are really coming alive.  I have to get out there and start cutting the grass soon.

cherry blossoms 3

The Kwanzan cherry tree in my front yard is exploding in blooms now.  I know many of you are still experiencing winter and I’m so sorry you’re still freezing.

cherry blossoms 4

We are fortunate in the south to have nice spring weather and we welcome it every year.  Nothing like spring to perk me up!

tulips spring

Longwood Gardens sent me some tulip and hyacinth bulbs last winter and I planted them before it got too cold.  It’s been fun watching those come up and bloom!

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Ok, so back inside, I’ll show you some of the process of getting these windows installed.  They measured and lined up the new windows with the existing top windows on the outside.  I am so glad they know what they are doing, they line up perfectly.  If I had to measure something like that, it would be SO wonky!  They prepped the windows and added 2×4’s for the framing and did all of that in one day, then came back another day to actually cut through the siding and add the new windows.

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Prepped and ready from the inside.

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Cutting through the siding to make way for the new windows.

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This big window was a special order from Pella and the middle section is double paned glass to match the existing older window above, flanked with 2 single windows that open.  The light coming in here now is incredible!

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Inside looking out.

den-before_thumb.jpg

Here’s a reminder of where I started in this room. BEFORE

lazboy-sofa.jpg

It was SO dark and dreary in here with only one small window.  Not anymore…….

Den pella windows (1)

So, I took some new shots down in the den just to show you the progress and how great it looks with the new windows in there.  Light makes me so happy and I’m just giddy over this! No more dungeon.

Den pella windows (2)

This space is not finished yet at all, but I cleaned up enough to show these pics.  I am doing some major decuttering in my living room, office, and this room, so I’m getting rid of several things.  Having a window behind this chair is just the best. I will definitely be using this chair more now.

Den pella windows (3)

That flowering cherry tree is right outside and what a view!

Den pella windows (4)

This room is not completely cleaned up, but you get the idea.  That picture leaning in the corner is going to have to go, I think, since I have no where to put it now.  Ruby is getting her table which is also in that back corner. The only thing I’ll leave in the corner is the plant.

Den pella windows (9)

I added the coral console table between the windows.  And my plan is to get new bamboo shades for all these windows and new window treatments, simple panels.  I’m looking at fabric now.

Den pella windows (7)

I swear the room feels SO much bigger with the windows in. It’s amazing how that happens!  I have been moving furniture around too and you can see that the china cabinet that was in the living room is now down here.  I moved my French buffet up in the living room and it was a great move.  Should have thought of it before, but getting these windows in made me rethink all my furniture in those rooms.  I like the switch so much better.

Den pella windows (5)

So this is a glimpse of how the windows look and how much light comes in here now.  I’ll do another final look once I get the window treatments up in here, which might be a little while.

Den pella windows (6)

This is a big room and I sure am glad to have it.  It’s a cozy and comfortable space.

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So, back upstairs, the old sliding glass door also got replaced. This original to the 1979 house slider had seen better days.  The weather stripping was falling apart outside and it was hard to slide, not to mention it was speckled and cloudy too.  So happy to have a brand new Pella sliding door in here.

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The guys took out the old and put in the new one.

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And the new one is beautiful, the Architect series from Pella.  It slides so easy and is so nice and substantial, not to mention gorgeous.  It has the feel of French doors and the clear glass is so nice after looking out cloudy windows for 2 years.  Several people asked me why I didn’t do French doors, but with the tight quarters of my dining space and screen porch, it just made sense to do sliders again.  Swinging French doors would be hitting something and I didn’t want to deal with that.

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This is a beautiful door and I love it!  The door is slightly darker white than my trim, so I may have to paint it to match my trim exactly.

dining slider pella

View from the living room.  It’s always hard to capture this pic, with light coming in the room.

pella sliding door

The guys added a Craftsman type molding around the top and sides of the door and I love how that turned out too.

pella slider

Sturdy bronze handle on the door.  The exterior of the door is black metal. You can choose what color combos you want with Pella, so I chose black.

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Threshold with lock in place.

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So, that’s a peek at the new sliding glass door. It feels like Christmas around here!

Den pella windows (8)

And the last window to show you is in the laundry room.  I added a single window in here and it’s amazing too how just this window adds so much to this room.  This space is a mess because I’ve been dumping extra stuff in here until I can declutter everything, but I’ll be getting this space cleaned up again soon.  Saying goodbye to some extra stuff!  I think I’ll put the fabric bench under the window and switch up this basket storage piece to the other wall. That can come later.

So, that’s a look at how adding windows can dramatically improve spaces.  I’m such a light lover that adding light just gives me such a feeling of happiness….light just does that to me, how about you?

If you are in the market for new windows, I would highly recommend Pella.  Lowes carries Pella and you can check with your local stores for all the information on them.  I absolutely love my Pella windows, they fit right in with my existing windows and look great!

Note: This project was sponsored by Pella Windows and Lowes and Pella supplied my windows and sliding door.  I hired my own installers to do the job.  

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Filed Under: House Renovation, Projects and How-To 84 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jane says

    March 31, 2015 at 8:30 am

    Oooo Rhoda, in looking at your “after” pic again, I just had a little brain storm. The cantilevered section left of the door…..would it look AWESOME to put white corbels (maybe 5 small ones, or 2 more massive ones @ each end) under that section? Something to think about.

    Reply
  2. Dianne says

    March 31, 2015 at 8:59 am

    It was a fantastic idea you had to add those new windows! They are a beautiful addition to your house, both inside and out. The added light makes your den look like a different room! Now you can really see all the pretty colors you have in there.

    Reply
  3. [email protected] Porch Musings says

    March 31, 2015 at 10:27 am

    Wow! What an incredible difference, Rhoda. Beautiful!

    We had to leave our cherry tree and weeping peach behind. I’m not sure we will plant new ones here at our new home. We’ll sure miss those trees if we don’t!

    Reply
  4. Terri says

    March 31, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    Just now reading this post … How amazing and beautiful!! I had to keep going up and down to the before and after with the windows installed… looks like a different house!!!! Just gorgeous!! Congratulations…

    Reply
  5. gayle says

    March 31, 2015 at 5:09 pm

    outstanding!!! Your vision was inspired and you accomplished what you set out to do. Your house looks beautiful. Love these windows!

    Reply
  6. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 31, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    Oh my gosh, Rhoda! What an amazing difference the windows made! And the new slider is fantastic, too! I know you’re enjoying all this beautiful sunshine that we’re getting this week!

    Reply
  7. Jeanne says

    March 31, 2015 at 10:03 pm

    Your new windows are just beautiful. I love the look of the windows from the outside and inside. I had my home built about 15 years ago and had Pella windows put in. They said they had a lifetime guarantee. About 4 years ago one of the windows in my garage cracked from the house settling over the years and Pella came and fixed the window, no charge for the parts, only for the labor. So I wanted to tell you about my good experience with Pella windows. I wish you many blessings and happy times in your lovely home.

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      March 31, 2015 at 10:51 pm

      Jeanne, so glad to hear that story! Thank you.

  8. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says

    April 1, 2015 at 10:24 am

    It really looks incredible. Inside & out! The curd appeal has dramatically improved, and it was looking good before! I’m sure you are giddy with the light flowing into your home now. Everything looks perfect. The new slider is gorgeous too, and look very safe & secure.

    Reply
  9. Dionne says

    April 1, 2015 at 10:53 am

    Hi,
    I know I’m late with my question, but could you give a ballpark estimate on how much adding a window like those in your den might cost? I really am excited to see this, I would love to add a window to my master bedroom, which currently only has one french door for natural light! I just wasn’t sure how you went about adding a window where there wasn’t one, and now that I’ve seen you do it, I am anxious to look into it!
    Thank you,
    Dionne

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      April 1, 2015 at 1:56 pm

      HI, Dionne, since I ordered specific sizes and Pella made them for me, I’m not sure what the retail cost would have been. I would suggest going to the Pella website and looking at the windows. I think you can enter sizes and get an idea of cost from there. You can also visit Lowes and go directly to the window department where they will be happy to help you with size and prices.

  10. Tara G. says

    April 3, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    The exterior seems so much more balanced and classic looking!! Love it and so excited for you!

    Reply
  11. Buffie Baril says

    April 3, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    Just gorgeous! What a difference those windows make to the exterior and interior. I highly recommend Lowe’s for Owens Corning roof shingles too!

    Reply
  12. Elsieed says

    April 3, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    Your house looks finished and elegant now. BEfore it lacked that finished look . You should be proud of yourself. You bought a home that needed some love and attention, and boy does it shine now. Congratulations!! Well done!

    Reply
  13. Angela says

    April 5, 2015 at 9:08 am

    You have done such a phenomenal job with your home. The added windows makes it appear larger.

    Reply
  14. Micah Thompson says

    April 17, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    Such a HUGE difference. I love it!!!

    Reply
  15. Lisa E says

    April 29, 2015 at 9:25 am

    Just curious, what are the comments/feedback you have been getting from your neighbors? I know it’s all positive, but would still love to hear!

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      April 29, 2015 at 9:32 am

      HI, Lisa, since starting the outside improvements, I have had several positive comments from the neighbors. The ones on either side of me definitely have complimented all the improvements. And I know the ones driving by are appreciating it too. One lady who lives in my neighborhood found my blog and said it was motivating her and others to fix up their houses more. That made me happy!

  16. Georgiana says

    March 17, 2018 at 10:37 am

    My old house windows are no good. Light bill too high, please help. Thanks

    Reply
  17. Hiley Dobbs says

    May 15, 2018 at 12:38 am

    This project is beautiful and so inspirational about what windows can do to a space, exterior and interior! Would you be willing to contact me via email to chat about how you partnered with home depot and Pella for this project?

    Reply
    • Rhoda says

      May 15, 2018 at 8:47 am

      HI, Hiley, I’m a blogger and work with a lot of brands, but if you want to get in touch with me, just email me, I have my contact listed on my blog.

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  1. High ROI Home Improvement Projects for the Colorado Springs Market says:
    December 8, 2017 at 7:44 pm

    […] is that the backyard gets freezing, so you will need a new area for guests to hang out in. Adding some windows are always a great renovation idea in order to see those mountains. If you are feeling really good, […]

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Thanks for stopping by! I’m Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn’t have to cost a fortune and I’ve spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yard sales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I’m here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won’t you join me?

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